Head of DeFi Business Development

Layer Zero The Future is Omnichain. Founded in 2021, Layer Zero’s vision is to create a community of cross-chain developers, building dApps that are no longer constrained by individual blockchain capabilities. With Layer Zero's simple, generic messaging protocol, builders will develop cross-chain dApps designed to unify the power of individual blockchains. We are funded by the best investors in the world including: a16z, Sequoia, Pay Pal, Binance Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Uniswap Labs, Circle Ventures, Delphi Digital, and many more.

Layer Zero is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Head of DeFi to lead our strategy and engagement within the decentralized finance ecosystem. This is a critical role that will continue to drive the adoption of Layer Zero within DeFi protocols, foster key partnerships, and shape our product roadmap to meet the evolving needs of the DeFi space. You will be responsible for identifying strategic opportunities, building relationships with leading DeFi projects, and working closely with our product and engineering teams to ensure Layer Zero remains at the forefront of cross-chain DeFi innovation.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the DeFi landscape, a proven track record of successful business development, and a passion for building the future of decentralized finance. Our team leaves egos at the door, works hard, has big ambitions, and is passionate about building the infrastructure interoperability layer of tomorrow. We expect the same from you. The working environment is fast pace with plenty of ambiguity, change, and odd hours.

You have to be okay with that as we continue to grow and mature as an organization.

• DeFi Strategy & Vision:
  Iterate and execute on a comprehensive strategy for Layer Zero's integration and growth within the DeFi ecosystem.
• Partnerships & Business Development:
  Identify, engage, and onboard key DeFi protocols, lending platforms, DEXs, stable coins, and other critical infrastructure projects to leverage Layer Zero for cross-chain interoperability.
• Ecosystem Development:
  Retain and foster strong relationships with DeFi founders, developers, and community members to drive adoption and thought leadership.
• Product Feedback &
  
  Roadmap:
  
  Act as the voice of the DeFi market internally, providing critical feedback to product and engineering teams to inform and prioritize new features and improvements.
• Market Intelligence:
  Stay abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and competitive landscape within the DeFi space, identifying opportunities and potential threats.
• Community Engagement:
  Represent Layer Zero at industry events, conferences, and online forums, showcasing our capabilities and contributing to the broader DeFi dialogue.
• Team Leadership:
  Lead a small team focused on DeFi business development and partnerships as the role expands.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Proven track record of 7+ years in business development, partnership management, or related roles within the DeFi, crypto, technology, and/or blockchain industries.
• Deep and demonstrable understanding of DeFi primitives, protocols (e.g., AMMs, lending protocols, stable coins, derivatives), and market dynamics.
• Strong network of contacts within the DeFi world, with the ability to leverage existing relationships to drive business growth.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret market data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take initiative in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Technical understanding of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and interoperability solutions is highly preferred.
• Passion for decentralized finance and the potential of Web3 technologies to transform industries and empower creators.

Layer Zero Labs is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Layer Zero Labs is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.